Thirteen | ONC 2021

4 | Like a Fish out of Water

Huh...the headmaster really perked up for some reason.

I mean, I didn't really blame him. Ursa's been so...friendly this whole time. It's so weird! What kind of villain even was she?

Without saying anything, she went on stage.

Just like the others, the ribbons of light surrounded her body and transformed her. Her hair was now comprised of light green tentacles. Her once radiant smile was replaced by a hardened and stoic glare, with shadows under her eyes that made her look even more dangerous. The lower parts of her arms resembled those of a sea creature, scaly and with sharp blades on each one, her once soft hands were now ravenous claws.

I couldn't even tell where the dress ended, and the sea creature began. The upper half was a regular dress, but as it got to the bottom it split into several tentacles. Were those her legs...? No, wait, I could still see her feet.

In her hand was a rusty looking trident that had lost all its lustre, yet I could still feel so much power emanating from it.

Wow...she's so cool!

"This world...is polluted," she began, her voice almost echoing across the room. "Not only in the oceans, the forests, and our cities...but also in our society. Those with power feed us, but to them we are vermin...so they try to poison us. And we do nothing, because we only see the world as a calm, and gentle lake, ignoring the horrors beneath the surface. That's why I take it upon myself to reveal the truth. That's why...I am Dead Water!"

The crowd became silent after that magnificent performance. Even the rest were shocked on how different she was in this new costume.

As for me, I was completely lost for words. She was amazing. Mesmerizing. Jaw dropping. Showstopping. Spectacular. Radiant.

Dammit...she's meant to be the competition...I need to...stay strong...

Must not...show kindness!

"Woooo! That was awesome!" I cheered, clapping my hands with excitement, leading everyone to avert their eyes towards me.

"Pfft, the only thing that's better about her than me is her name...oh how I wish I could turn back time," Tempura sighed, glancing at me with a look of disapproval. I guess it made sense, he was the only other person I cheered for...

Wait, noooooo! What am I doing?! Why am I cheering for people?!

"T-Thanks..." Dead Water muttered with a slight blush on her face, smiling a little. Immediately the stoic persona she built up had been shattered, which caught me by surprise.

Wait, she didn't use my compliment to brag about how much better she was than me? That's what usually happens with people...what gives?!

Fashion Craze merely scoffed in response, once again deciding to ruin the moment.

"Ugh, of course a wet blanket like you would be into some freaky fish girl."

"I-It's nothing like that! I just think she's cool!" I insisted.

"Yeah whatevs, you wouldn't know "cool" if it hit you in the face."

Wait, I just realized something...now was my time to shine! Finally, I could get to make my entrance! Days, weeks, months of planning...it will have all been worth it!

"You want cool huh? Well, I'll show you who's the coolest around here!"

As soon as Dead Water made her leave, I made my way onto the stage. I'll show them. I'll show them all!